We collected Laelaps nuttalli on body surface of trapped Rattus nitidus (Muridae, Rattus) in Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China. The complete mitochondrial genome of L. nuttalli was successfully obtained by next generation sequencing and assembly. The L. nuttalli mitogenome is 16 857 bp in size and contains 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes (rrnL and rrnS) and a control region of 2 686 bp in length). Laelapidae is one of the most morphologically diverse family of the Gamasina mites. To date, taxonomic status of the genera Echinolaelaps and Laelaps has been controversial. Therefore, we analyzed morphological traits, mitogenome and divergence time of the two model species (E. echidninus, Echinolaelaps fukienensis) of the genus Echinolaelaps and the two model species (Laelaps chini, L. nuttalli) of the genus Laelaps and discussed the divergence point of “Whether the genera Echinolaelaps and Laelaps should be one genus (i.e., the genus Laelaps) or two genera (the genus Echinolaelaps: body size > 1 mm; the genus Laelaps: body size < 1 mm) “. We supported that closely related genera Echinolaelaps and Laelaps should be two genera independently by comprehensive analysis of morphological comparisons, mitogenome base composition, relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), codon preference usage patterns, mitogenome arrangement, phylogenetic relationships and divergence time estimation.
Invasive plants are species introduced outside their natural range and often cause ecological or economic harm. By modifying litter quality, root architecture, and soil chemistry, invasive plants can alter many soil processes, including nutrient cycling and edaphic activity. The main aim of our study was to provide the first assessment in Poland of the ecological impact of Spiraea tomentosa L. invasion on the abundance, diversity, and species richness of soil Mesotigmata (Gamasida; Gamasina and Uropodnia) mite communities in wet meadow ecosystems, thereby offering novel insights into the belowground ecological consequences of this invasive species. The research was carried out in a wet meadow complex located in the Lower Silesian Forests in south-western Poland. A total of 104 soil samples were collected from 26 experimental plots (13 invaded by Spiraea tomentosa and 13 uninvaded) in May and October 2024. In total, we identified 2,502 mesostigmatid mites belonging to 71 taxa. The three most abundant mite species across the entire study were Paragamasus vagabundus (Karg) (409 ind.), Zercon gurensis Mihelčič (228), and Trachytes aegrota (C. L. Koch) (216). Mite abundance was negatively associated with soil Fe, while litter pH and litter Pb showed positive but non-significant trends. Species richness was positively associated with soil Mn and litter Pb, and negatively associated with soil Fe and litter Cu. Mite diversity showed a significant overall effect of collection time and site type, although Tukey HSD post hoc tests did not detect significant pairwise differences among treatment combinations. Moreover, Mesostigmata diversity increased with soil Mn and K and decreased with soil Fe, Na, and soil moisture. However, diversity was lower at uninvaded sites than at invaded sites. Overall, our findings show that microhabitat alteration associated with the biological invasion of Spiraea tomentosa has a complex impact on the diversity and composition of mite communities.
Tropilaelaps mercedesae is a major ectoparasitic mite threatening the western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.), yet the lack of standardized in vitro rearing methods limits mechanistic studies of its biology and control. Here, we extended a gelatin capsule-based rearing method for Varroa destructor to establish an verage, each reproducingin vitro platform for T. mercedesae. Reproductively primed females were co-cultured with freshly capped worker bee larvae (≤ 24 h post-capping) in gelatin capsules until honey bee emergence. To evaluate the efficacy of this method, the fitness of the original foundress mites was monitored throughout the rearing period. Results indicated a foundress mite survival rate of 47.57
This study investigated the diversity, distribution, and community structure of predatory mites (Family: Phytoseiidae) across distinct agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh. A total of 26 species were recorded from four altitudinal zones, revealing pronounced spatial heterogeneity in species composition and abundance. Zone 2 (mid hills) exhibited the highest species richness and diversity, followed closely by Zone 1, whereas Zones 3 and 4 supported comparatively fewer species and simpler community structure. Euseius prasadi emerged as the most dominant and widely distributed species, accounting for the highest proportion of individuals across all zones, suggesting broad ecological adaptability that may be associated with dietary flexibility and other ecological traits. In contrast, Paraphytoseius orientalis was predominantly confined to the lower altitudinal zones, reflecting greater habitat specificity. Several species, including Euseius alstoniae, Amblyseius neorykei, and Euseius kalimpongensis, were characteristic of the mid-hill zone, whereas Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) rickeri was restricted to the high-hill temperate zone. Diversity indices indicated greater species richness and community complexity in the lower and mid-hill zones, while higher-altitude zones supported comparatively simpler phytoseiid assemblages. Multivariate analyses further revealed differences in community composition among agro-climatic zones. Overall, the findings demonstrate distinct patterns of phytoseiid diversity and community composition across agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh and provide a scientific basis for the conservation and utilization of predatory mites in integrated pest management programmes.
Varroa destructor is one of the most destructive ectoparasites affecting honey bee colonies worldwide, highlighting the need for alternative and naturally derived control strategies. In this study, propolis samples collected from three different regions of Türkiye (Giresun, Isparta, and Ardahan) were evaluated primarily for their acaricidal activity against V. destructor, together with chemical characterization and complementary antioxidant and antibacterial analyses. Propolis extracts demonstrated pronounced acaricidal activity, with mite mortality ranging from 71 to 100
